Where to Dine

[Terk-1]

Heading to Disneyland for the first time in like 12 years this October. I'll be there for 2 full days in the parks. Where is the best place to dine inside Disneyland? I saw there is a princess breakfast. How early do they start that meal? How's the food? What about dinner at the Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel or Downtown Disney? Is Storytellers or Goofy's Kitchen better for breakfast or dinner? How is the character interaction there? Is the food good? How far is the Disneyland Hotel from the Grand Californian? Can you walk there? What about DTD? I'm a pretty basic eater, so nothing spicey. I won't have a car, so I'm looking for places within walking distance of my hotel.

 

[Disneyland1084]

If you like seafood and don't mind spending at least $25 a plate, dine at the Blue Bayou restaurant in Disneyland. You know, the restaurant by Pirates of the Carribean. I did for the first time last December and it was SOOOO good and so worth the price. If you do decide to dine there, I suggest making reservations in advance. I stayed at the DH YEARS ago and don't remember the food there. I've never stayed or eaten at the Grand Californian. This past December I ate a burger at some restaurant in Downtown Disney, but I forget the name. It was good, but this July I'll probably dine at a different restaurant in Downtown Disney.

 

[Terk-1]

I was reading another post that someone dined at the Plaza for dinner, then viewed the fireworks from their table. Can anyone tell me what time is best to make a PS there? How many tables are outside? Will be dining solo. Will that matter? How well can you see the fireworks from there? How is the food there for dinner?

 

[iceskatejen]

You don't need a PS (nor can you make one) for the Plaza Inn for anything other than the Princess breakfast or the Birthday party.

I like the food that the Plaza Inn for dinner, esp the fried chicken.

 

[LuvTigger]

Given that you haven't been there in 12 years, I would also suggest Blue Bayou, especially if you've never been there before. Truly a unique atmosphere!

I've heard the character interaction at Goofy's Kitchen is great, as is the food, but I haven't tried it myself. I have tried Storyteller's Cafe though, for the breakfast buffet, and dinner off the menu. I really enjoyed everything about it from the food to the service, and the atmosphere. When I was there, they also had a dinner buffet, but we weren't that hungry, so we ordered off the menu. We did a GC tour, and our guide said the corn chowder at Storyteller's was to die for, and they were right!

In DTD, I like Naples, an Italian restaurant. You definitely won't go hungry during your visit, there are so many great places to eat within Disney! And you can walk between DLH and GC -- I'd say a 10-15 minute leisurely walk.

 

[kuusimo]

A definite is Whitewater Snacks in Grand Californian Hotel. Every time we go to Disneyland we will go there. It is always quiet, the portions are HUGE, my two toddlers can split a meal. My husband always overeats. He says they are the best nachos he has ever had. He did not care all that much for the fried chicken at the Plaza Inn. It was too greasy for his liking. Prices at Whitewater are under $10.00. Disneyland Hotel is about a 5-10 minute walk to Disneyland hotel if you do it through Downtown Disney. We really like the chili at the COKE refreshment stand. I get it in the breadbowl, and my husband on a hotdog. Other than that, we love Mimi's cafe which is about a 10 minute walk from Disneyland, but worth every step. Make sure you ask to split your meal. Portions are HUGE there and you will not go away hungry.

 

[Dobie]

The only food worth eating, IMHO, IN Disneyland is at Blue Bayou (unless you count churros, which aren't really food, but nirvana!)

On the other hand, there is Great food in DCA. We love Test Pilots Grill. Whitewater Snacks at the GCH has yummy sandwiches.

 

[LucyKate]

Blue Bayou is definitely the best place to dine inside DL - but with prices to match.

We loved the Princess Breakfast but others have had bad experiences. Food is your standard breakfast buffet - pastries cereals, toast, omelettes, hash browns, bacon and eggs etc, with juice and coffee from machines.

Read "Princess Overload" on our travel diary for a fuller picture.